Jessica Mathews / news@whmi.com


Public input is being sought as the Green Oak Township Police Department continues to work towards accreditation.

A team of assessors from the Michigan Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission (MLEAC) will arrive on Tuesday to examine all aspects of the Department’s policies and procedures, management, operations, and support services.

Police Chief Steve Kramer commented “Verification by the team that the Green Oak Township Police Department meets the Michigan Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission’s “best practice” standards is part of a voluntary process to achieve accreditation, a highly prized recognition of law enforcement professional excellence”.

The Green Oak Township Police Department must comply with 108 standards in order to achieve accredited status. Chief Kramer said “Accreditation results in greater accountability within the agency, reduced risk and liability exposure, stronger defense against civil lawsuits, increased community advocacy, and more confidence in the agency’s ability to operate efficiently and respond to community needs.”

As part of the final On-Site Assessment, employees and members of the general public are invited to provide comments to the Assessment Team. They may do so by telephone or email. The public may call 810-602-2758 on May 21st between the hours of 10am and 12pm. Email comments can be sent to info@greenoakpolice.com.

Telephone comments are limited to five (5) minutes and must address the agency’s ability to comply with the Commission’s standards. A copy of the standards is available for inspection at the Green Oak Township Police Department. Contact Sgt. Alicia Montes at 810-231-9626 x510.

Anyone wishing to offer written comments about the Green Oak Township Police Department’s ability to comply with the standards for accreditation is requested to email the Accreditation Program manager at msilverthorn@michiganpolicechiefs.org or write the Michigan Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission at 3474 Alaiedon Pkwy, Suite 600, Okemos, MI 48864.

The Accreditation Program Director for the Michigan Association of Chiefs of Police is Retired Chief Ron Wiles. He said “The assessment team is composed of law enforcement practitioners from similar Michigan law enforcement agencies. The assessors will review written materials, interview agency members, and visit offices and other places where compliance with the standards can be observed. Once the assessors complete their review of the agency, they will report to the full Commission, which will then decide if the agency is to be granted accredited status”.

Accreditation is valid for a three-year period during which time the agency must submit annual reports attesting to their continued compliance with those standards under which it was initially accredited.